King James Version

What Does Matthew 7:11 Mean?

Matthew 7:11 in the King James Version says “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heav... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Matthew 7:11 · KJV


Context

9

Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?

10

Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

11

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

12

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

13

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat : strait: or, narrow


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The conclusion: if you, being evil (sinful, fallen), know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him? The logic is unassailable. God's generous nature infinitely exceeds even the best human parenting.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish prayers often addressed God as Father, but Jesus's intimate use of 'your Father' was distinctive. He emphasizes personal relationship, not distant deity. Luke's parallel specifies the Holy Spirit as the supreme gift (Luke 11:13)—God gives Himself.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding God as generous Father rather than harsh judge affect your approach to Him?
  2. What good gifts has God given you that you didn't deserve or even know to ask for?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
εἰ1 of 26

If

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

οὖν2 of 26

then

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ὑμεῖς3 of 26

ye

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

πονηροὶ4 of 26

evil

G4190

hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455

ὄντες5 of 26

being

G5607

being

οἴδατε6 of 26

know

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

δόματα7 of 26

gifts

G1390

a present

ἀγαθὰ8 of 26

good

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

δώσει9 of 26

give

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

τοῖς10 of 26

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τέκνοις11 of 26

children

G5043

a child (as produced)

ὑμῶν12 of 26

shall your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

πόσῳ13 of 26

how much

G4214

interrogative pronoun (of amount) how much (large, long or (plural) many)

μᾶλλον14 of 26

more

G3123

(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather

τοῖς15 of 26

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πατὴρ16 of 26

Father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ὑμῶν17 of 26

shall your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

τοῖς18 of 26

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐν19 of 26

is in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τοῖς20 of 26

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οὐρανοῖς21 of 26

heaven

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

δώσει22 of 26

give

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

ἀγαθὰ23 of 26

good

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

τοῖς24 of 26

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

αἰτοῦσιν25 of 26

to them that ask

G154

to ask (in genitive case)

αὐτόν26 of 26

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 7:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 7:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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